Leg pain can be constant or intermittent, develop suddenly or gradually, and affect your entire leg or a localized area, such as your shin or your knee. It can also take a number of forms — stabbing, sharp, dull, aching or tingling. Some leg pain is simply annoying, but more-severe leg pain can affect your ability to walk or to put weight on your leg.

Call for immediate medical help or go to the emergency room if you:

Have a leg injury with a deep cut or exposed bone or tendon

Are unable to walk or put weight on your leg

Have pain, swelling, redness or warmth in your calf

Hear a popping or grinding sound at the time of a leg injury

See your doctor as soon as possible if you have:

Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth or tenderness, or you have a fever greater than100 F (37.8 C)

A leg that is swollen, pale or unusually cool

Calf pain, particularly after prolonged sitting (such as a long car trip or plane ride)

Swelling in both legs along with breathing problems

Any serious leg symptoms that develop for no apparent reason

Schedule an office visit if:

You have pain during or after walking

You have swelling in both legs

Your pain gets worse

Your symptoms don't improve after a few days of home treatment

You have painful varicose veins

Self-careMinor leg pain often responds well to home treatments. To relieve mild pain and swelling:

Stay off your leg as much as possible

Apply an ice pack or bag of frozen peas to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes three times a day

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